Doug Smith, a wildlife biologist and National Geographic Explorer, led the project that reintroduced gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park in the 1990s. He’ll discuss his ongoing research on Nov. 4 at the Des Moines Civic Center. Photo courtesy Des Moines Performing Arts
“Artists on Fire,” through Jan. 10, 2027, Des Moines Art Center. A curation of prints, drawings and photographs that explore fire literally and conceptually through flame, smoke, Greek gods and depictions of hell. desmoinesartcenter.org
“Wild Wolves of Yellowstone,” Nov. 4, Des Moines Civic Center. Biologist Doug Smith, who helped reintroduce gray wolves to the national park in the 1990s, discusses the project in a National Geographic Live multimedia presentation. dmpa.org
Caity Gyorgy. Photo: Tieran Green
Caity Gyorgy, Nov. 6, Sheslow Auditorium. The award-winning young jazz singer from Calgary takes a turn in Civic Music Association’s 101st season. civicmusic.org
Des Moines Holiday Boutique, Nov. 6-8, EMC Expo Center. More than 200 vendors offer jewelry, gourmet foods, children’s gifts and more. desmoinesholidayboutique.com
Living History Farms Race, Nov. 7, Living History Farms. The annual cross-country stampede through 300 years of history offers one more chance to wear your Halloween costume. lhf.org
Iowa’s Largest Arts & Craft Show, Nov. 13-15, Iowa State Fairgrounds. More than 300 exhibitors sell their handiwork at the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. iowastatefairgrounds.org
“POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive,” Nov. 13-22, Tallgrass Theatre Co. When the president stumbles into a PR nightmare, the women in his life try to keep him out of trouble in this locally produced comedy in West Des Moines. tallgrasstheatre.org
Dome for the Holidays, Nov. 14-Jan. 3, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. The tropical garden under the landmark dome lights up the night for the holidays, with ticketed visits available most Tuesdays through Sundays. dmbotanicalgarden.com
Vienna Boys Choir, Nov. 17, Stephens Auditorium, Ames. The world-famous Austrian tweens drop in for a holiday concert. The group is 100 years old; its members are not. center.iastate.edu
Tinseltown, Nov. 21, Water Works Park. A tree-lighting ceremony highlights a day full of live entertainment, vendors and other outdoor festivities before the evening Tour de Lights. waterworkspark.org
Mama Said String Band, Nov. 21, Temple Theater. The four-piece band from Kentucky plays bluegrass, folk and Americana. dmpa.org
Des Moines Symphony, Nov. 21-22, Des Moines Civic Center. An eclectic program features Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” Ravel’s “Bolero” and Michael Daugherty’s Iowa-inspired “Last Dance at the Surf,” with dancers from Ballet Des Moines. dmsymphony.org
Winterset Festival of Lights, Nov. 27, Winterset. Celebrate the season around the courthouse square, where you’ll find live music, a lighted parade and a screening of “Elf” at the historic Iowa Theater. madisoncounty.com
Festival of Trees & Lights, Nov. 27-29, Community Choice Convention Center. The annual forest takes temporary root to raise funds for Blank Children’s Hospital. It pops up early, on Nov. 25, for visitors with sensory sensitivities. unitypoint.org
“Maybe Happy Ending.” Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
“Maybe Happy Ending,” Dec. 1-6, Des Moines Civic Center. In the South Korean musical that won six 2025 Tony Awards, two human-like robots discover love and confront what it means to be alive. dmpa.org
Christkindlmarket, Dec. 3-13, Principal Park. A traditional European-style Christmas market sets up shop with hand-crafted gifts, food, music and lots of Old World charm. christkindlmarketdsm.com
“Annie,” Dec. 4-27, Des Moines Playhouse. The world’s most famous red-haired orphan returns — not tomorrow, but soon. dmplayhouse.com
Family Christmas, Dec. 5, Living History Farms. Bundle up for an 1870s Iowa Christmas at Walnut Hill, where you can hop on a horse-drawn wagon, make Victorian decorations and visit old St. Nick. lhf.org
Holly & Ivy, Dec. 5-6, Salisbury House & Gardens. Tour the historic South of Grand mansion in all its holiday splendor, with live music and a pop-up sweet shop. salisburyhouse.org
“The Nutcracker,” Dec. 10-13, Hoyt Sherman Place. Ballet Des Moines stages one of several local productions of the snow-dusted fairy tale, with thoughtful updates for the 21st century. balletdesmoines.org
Cantus, Dec. 11, Sheslow Auditorium. The Civic Music Association hosts the Minneapolis men’s octet to sing music from the Renaissance through the 21st century. civicmusic.org
Christmas with the Choral Society, Dec. 11-12, First Baptist Church, Johnston. One of the city’s finest choirs continues its holiday tradition, this year at a new venue. dmchoral.org
An Irving Berlin White Christmas Revue, Dec. 11-12, The Ingersoll. Singers, dancers and a full jazz orchestra perform Berlin’s classic score and other holiday classics, all while you enjoy your dinner. theingersoll.com
“A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 11-20, Des Moines Civic Center. Iowa Stage Theatre retells the timeless Dickens fable at the Stoner Theater. iowastage.org
The Peppermint Trail, Dec. 12. Catch a free trolley ride along The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand to enjoy the festivities (and deals) at area shops and restaurants. theavenuesdsm.com
“Waitress,” Dec. 18-20, Des Moines Civic Center. Ten years after its Broadway premiere, Sara Bareilles’ musical is still serving up a heartwarming mix of hope, love and pie. dmpa.org
Des Moines Symphony: Holiday Brass, Dec. 19-20, Westminster Presbyterian Church. Hark! The Des Moines Symphony brass section heralds the season with help from the mighty Dobson pipe organ. dsmsymphony.org
Noon Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, Science Center of Iowa. Get a head start with midday, family-friendly festivities — and then get a good night’s sleep. sciowa.org
Des Moines Symphony: New Year’s Eve Pops, Dec. 31, Des Moines Civic Center. Celebrate the new year with the orchestra and high-flying acrobats from Troupe Vertigo. dmsymphony.org
NYE at Noce, Dec. 31, Noce. Ring in the new year with live jazz and a little bubbly. nocedsm.com
First Day Hikes, Jan. 1, statewide. Start the new year with an invigorating hike through one of Iowa’s state parks. Many offer staff or volunteer guides. iowadnr.gov
For more ideas, sign up to receive our free newsletter, dsm Season Preview, which offers our editors’ essential recommendations for the months ahead.
